Hermione purposely took her time cleaning her station after Potions. She only half-listened as the class discussed Ron's outburst after class. In all honesty, she was relieved she had not been named. She had been worried when Snape had asked him.

Harry stopped by her on his way out. They were the only two left. Snape had already returned to his office. "Good luck. I'll talk to you later?"

Hermione nodded in response. Once Harry was gone, she found herself walking to see Snape. She entered and took a seat. He finished grading a paper before regarding her.

"We're fortunate Mr. Weasley did not specify the person he was talking about in class today. I admit I was not thinking when I asked. I can surmise from his 'little' outburst that he did not take the news well. Tell me, Miss Granger, is there anyone else I should be worried about? Will Longbottom be next? Or perhaps Miss Weasley?" She knew he was accusing her of something.

"No, sir. According to Ginny, Ron fancied himself marrying me some day. He just never mentioned it to anyone. Anyway, he's just mad because it's you. Anyone else he could deal with. But you . . . well, I don't think I need to explain."

"No, you don't need to explain. Potter seems to be dealing well enough," he added absently, returning to his grading.

"Harry knows though. It's different with him. He understands the magnitude of the situation."

"Does he agree with it?" he asked, not looking up.

"I don't know, but I know he respects you for what you're doing. He hasn't exactly said it, but I see it in how he's been supportive of my decision and the way he looks at you. Considering you were harsh about telling him and everything from the past, that says a lot." He was staring at her, and she caught his eye as she told him about Harry.

"What of Miss Weasley? You have told her?" He looked down again.

"She's doing okay. She thought I was kidding at first, but she's dealing. I think it's because of Harry. They're pretty trusting of each other, so his support is influencing her."

"Very well." She got up to leave. "Miss Granger," he called, "before I forget, Albus has informed me we are to have a Best Man and a Maid of Honor. I trust you'll have no trouble on your end."

"That won't be a problem. May I ask who you've chosen to be the Best Man?" At the mention of a Best Man, she struggled to come up with anyone who might be considered a friend of Snape's.

"Lupin. As much as I hated asking him, I could come up with no better candidate."

"He feels guilty, you know. You might consider forgiving him. He'd be a wonderful candidate for a friend, as well," Hermione said on her way out. Snape glared at her. "Have a good day, sir." The glare followed her out the door. She was aware of an audible clunk as Snape's head made contact with his desk. A groan followed. Hermione smiled to herself. While his general demeanor toward her remained much the same as always, the decisions he was making in regards to her suggested otherwise.

: P

Hermione was seated between Harry and Ginny at dinner. They fancied themselves her bodyguards from Ron who was still fuming after the day's events.

"Ginny," Hermione whispered as she leaned to her left, "would you like to be part of the wedding?"

"Are you serious?"

"Maid of Honor. Would you do it?"

"Of course," Ginny squealed. Of course she would do it. Hermione was her best friend.

A number of Gryffindors looked in their direction. "Keep it down, will you?"

"Sorry, Hermione. It's just so exciting!"

Harry leaned over, reaching for a roll. "What's going on over here?"

"Ginny's going to be my Maid of Honor."

"Cool. Who is Snape's Best Man?"

"What did he ask?" Ginny inquired, since she was just out of earshot.

"Lupin, Harry." She leaned toward Ginny. "He wanted to know who was going to be Snape's Best Man."

"Who?"

"Lupin."

"Seriously?" both asked Hermione simultaneously.

"Yeah. He said he couldn't think of anyone better. It took me by surprise so I covered with a whole spiel about how the two could be friends. Snape gave me a world-class glare as I left. Then I heard him hit his head on his desk and groan. Classic moment, let me tell you," she finished with a smile on her face. Harry and Ginny giggled at the mental pictures they had respectively formed.

Hermione looked toward the head table when she felt someone watching her. He glared. She smiled and winked in return, making him scowl deeper. She was not sure if he was being mean for show or for real. Ron, who had watched the exchange, angrily left the table.

All in all, Hermione found her day had ended much better than it had begun. Sure Ron was not talking to her, but that was a minor glitch. It had happened before. What mattered most was that she had gained Ginny's support, and no one knew about her and Snape other than those already informed. At least, she was unaware of anyone who was not suppose to know who did. She had even managed to have another civil conversation with Snape. The fact he picked Lupin made her oddly content. It was another sign he was attempting to make things work between the two of them, as the DADA teacher was a friend of hers.

: P

Hermione's week flew by. When she finished her final class for the week Friday afternoon, she could not believe she would be getting married the next day. She was grateful that someone else was planning the wedding, namely Dumbledore and McGonagall, but it felt a little strange to not be doing it herself. However, the professors had consulted both her and Snape on some of the details. Professor Dumbledore had even gone so far as to create a ceremony that would satisfy both muggle and wizard marriage criteria. Hermione smiled as she sat down to dinner and mulled over the week.

Tuesday had been quite uneventful, a fact which pleased more than one person involved. On Wednesday she had received an owl from her parents apologizing for their attitude toward her marriage. They had also accepted the invitation. However, David Granger made the stipulation that he be allowed to walk his daughter down the aisle. Dumbledore easily complied saying he would not have it any other way. This made Snape more nervous, but his fears were calmed a bit by Hermione's reassurance the Grangers were not out for blood. Of course, he could not make such a promise as his mother explicitly stated she was only coming because she felt the need to be sure things were done properly. What that really meant, Snape could not be sure. He knew she would be most displeased by ceremony itself, and he wondered if she would even stay for the reception. He hoped not, but she was much like himself in that constant desire to spite the other. She would, most likely, make her presence known in a most displeasing fashion.

After dinner Friday evening, the Great Hall was quickly cleared of all students and wards were placed to keep stragglers out. Only those involved knew the reason behind the madness. Hermione put her feet up while Dumbledore explained how the wedding would proceed to the party. After finishing his explanation, they ran through the service. Since Hermione's father was not present, nor did he really need to be for his simple task, Harry happily agreed to fill in. Finally, once Dumbledore thought all involved had a grasp how everything would run, he called an end to the evening. However, Professor Lupin quickly curbed that idea for several minutes. He and Ginny proceeded to hand a box each to Hermione and Severus. Upon opening them, they found they had been presented with the proper wedding attire, something Dumbledore had not yet spoken of to the pair. Snape was given robes of forest green with black and silver trim. Hermione found a wedding dress any muggle woman would die for.

"Thank you; this is perfect!" she said.

Harry smiled at Ginny and said, "Told you so." Ginny hugged Hermione in response to her gratitude.

Snape, on the other hand, extended his hand to Lupin who shook it. "Remus, thank you." He was, oddly, sincere in his gratitude as well, surprising most everyone present.

"Well, we couldn't have you running around dressed all in black now could we?" he responded with a wink to Hermione. Everyone laughed except Snape who decided to glare at Lupin. "Lighten up, Severus. It's a joke."

"I'm well aware." His not so sunny disposition had returned.

Dumbledore took the opportunity to excuse them for good that evening, as it was quite late. Harry and Ginny walked hand in hand back to Gryffindor Tower. Hermione was not far behind, Snape following her. She stopped briefly before he headed in the direction of the dungeon.

"Severus, I just want to thank you again. I know this hasn't been easy for you. It means a lot to me to know you're supporting me on this decision."

"It's a bit early for that, Hermione," he said before turning on his heels and going to his quarters. Hermione watched him go, thinking about what he had just said. It was not so much that he shoved her thankfulness aside, but the use of her first name again. He rarely used it, even when they had been alone. Despite that, it sounded completely natural for him to use it. Hermione shook it off and continued to her quarters. She was determined to get a good nights rest as she was uncertain what the next day would bring.

End Part 8